U.S. patent number 7,513,645 [Application Number 11/383,420] was granted by the patent office on 2009-04-07 for multiple module lamp.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Trumpf Medizin Systeme GmbH + Co. KG. Invention is credited to Christian Bartenbach, Rudolf Marka, Markus Vogl.
United States Patent |
7,513,645 |
Marka , et al. |
April 7, 2009 |
Multiple module lamp
Abstract
A lighting apparatus including a number of light modules
oriented to illuminate a work site, an array of individually
controllable lights disposed on each of the light modules, and a
lighting controller configured to individually control the lights
disposed on the light modules to selectively define concentric
illumination zones.
Inventors: |
Marka; Rudolf (Munich,
DE), Vogl; Markus (Munich, DE), Bartenbach;
Christian (Aldrans, AT) |
Assignee: |
Trumpf Medizin Systeme GmbH + Co.
KG (Puchheim, DE)
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Family
ID: |
35056887 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/383,420 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2006 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20060291204 A1 |
Dec 28, 2006 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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May 14, 2005 [EP] |
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05010554 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
362/249.09;
362/804 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V
23/04 (20130101); F21S 2/005 (20130101); Y10S
362/804 (20130101); F21Y 2115/10 (20160801); F21W
2131/205 (20130101); F21Y 2105/10 (20160801) |
Current International
Class: |
F21V
21/14 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;362/33,231,804,295,85
;315/209R |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Alavi; Ali
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fish & Richardson P.C.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A lighting apparatus comprising: a plurality of light modules
oriented to illuminate a surgical field; an array of individually
controllable lights disposed on each of the light modules; and a
lighting controller configured to individually control the lights
disposed on the light modules to selectively define concentric
illumination zones and to store a number of operational modes and
selectively recall said operational modes in response to conditions
occurring within the surgical field, each mode defining an
intensity level and activation state of each illumination zone.
2. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to change an overall luminosity of the lighting
apparatus.
3. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to change the intensity of each illumination zone.
4. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to change the activation state of each illumination
zone.
5. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to change the intensity and activation state of each
illumination zone.
6. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to store and recall a number of operational modes, each
mode defining an intensity level and activation state of each
controllable light.
7. The lighting apparatus of claim 6, wherein the controller is
configured to maintain a substantially constant illumination field
for each of the operational modes.
8. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the operational modes
correspond to predetermined phases of a surgical procedure.
9. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to maintain a substantially constant overall
illumination strength to the work site for all of the operational
modes.
10. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to vary the light intensity of the illumination zones
from between about 100 to about 250 percent of an initial
illumination level corresponding to activation of all of the
illumination zones.
11. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein each light module is
substantially hexagonal.
12. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein each light module is
sized to illuminate substantially the entire work site.
13. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controllable
lights comprise LEDs.
14. The lighting apparatus of claim 13, wherein the LEDs are
uniformly distributed over the light modules.
15. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a central
light module defining a first illumination zone and a plurality of
outer light modules circumferentially arranged about the central
light module, the outer light modules being configured to
selectively define a second illumination zone concentric with the
first illumination zone, and a third illumination zone concentric
with the first and second illumination zones.
16. An operating lamp comprising: a central light module oriented
to illuminate a surgical field; a plurality of outer light modules
positioned circumferentially about the central light module,
wherein the outer light modules are oriented to illuminate the
surgical field; an array of individually controllable lights
disposed on each of the light modules; and a lighting controller
configured to individually control the lights disposed on the light
modules to selectively define concentric illumination zones and to
store a number of operational modes and selectively recall said
operational modes in response to conditions occurring within the
surgical field, each mode defining an intensity level and
activation state for each of the illumination zones.
17. The operating lamp of claim 16, wherein the operational modes
correspond to predetermined phases of a surgical procedure.
18. An operating lamp for generating an illumination field, the
lamp comprising: a plurality of light modules configured to
generate at least three illumination zones illuminating a surgical
field; and a controller to individually control the light intensity
of each illumination zone and to store a number of operational
modes and selectively recall said operational modes in response to
conditions occurring within the surgical field, each mode defining
an intensity level and activation state for each of the
illumination zones, wherein all of the zones are concentrically
arranged.
19. A method of illuminating a surgical field, the method
comprising: positioning a plurality of light modules to illuminate
the surgical field, each light module comprising an array of
individually controllable lights; controlling the lights disposed
on the light modules to selectively define concentric illumination
zones; storing a plurality of operational modes, wherein each mode
defines an intensity level and activation state of each light; and
selectively recalling said operational modes in response to
conditions occurring within the surgical field to control the
intensity and activation state of each illumination zone.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising controlling the
intensity and activation state of each light.
21. The method of claim 19, further comprising controlling the
lights while maintaining a substantially constant overall
illumination strength to the surgical field.
22. The lighting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lighting
controller is configured to selectively deactivate one of the
illumination zones when an obstruction is detected between the
lights that define that illumination zone and the surgical
field.
23. The lighting apparatus of claim 22 wherein the lighting
controller is configured to selectively activate an alternative one
of the illumination zones that is not obstructed.
24. The lighting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lighting
controller is configured to selectively activate a central
illumination zone when a deep, narrow wound is present in the
surgical field.
25. The lighting apparatus of claim 24 wherein the lighting
controller is configured to selectively deactivate an outermost
concentric illumination zone when a deep, narrow wound is present
in the surgical field.
26. The method of claim 19 wherein selectively recalling said
operational modes comprises selectively deactivating one of the
illumination zones when an obstruction is detected between the
lights that define that illumination zone and the surgical
field.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein selectively recalling said
operational modes further comprises selectively activating an
alternative one of the illumination zones that is not
obstructed.
28. The method of claim 26 wherein selectively recalling said
operational modes comprises selectively activating multiple
illumination zones when the surgical field has a large surface
area.
29. The method of claim 19 wherein selectively recalling said
operational modes comprises selectively activating a central
illumination zone when a deep, narrow wound is present in the
surgical field.
30. The method of claim 29 wherein selectively recalling said
operational modes further comprises selectively deactivating an
outermost concentric illumination zone when a deep, narrow wound is
present in the surgical field.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(a) from
European patent application EP 05010554.3, filed on May 14, 2005.
The complete disclosure of this priority application is
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
This description relates to a lighting apparatus for generating an
adjustable illumination field, and in particular, an operating lamp
for illuminated a surgical field.
BACKGROUND
Surgical operating procedures can require different illumination
parameters. For example, the surgeon(s) performing the operating
can interrupt the path of the light rays of the operating lamp.
Deep, narrow, and large-surface wounds can each require different
illumination. This can be difficult to achieve with a lamp that
provides fixed light distribution, since the optimal overall
illumination intensity and illumination field can vary greatly.
SUMMARY
The invention features a single operating lamp configured to
provide different illumination outputs. The lamp includes a number
of light modules and a control to provide at least three
illumination zones which are disposed concentrically to each other
and whose light intensities can be controlled separately from each
other. The lamp can operate under the following modes of operation:
switching on and off and dimming of all or a portion of the light
modules zone-by-zone; controlling the intensity (dimming) of the
luminous surface; constant illumination strength in all switching
states. In some examples, the illumination zones can be controlled
through known switches and dimming devices. In some embodiments, a
plurality of LEDs in combination with lenses are uniformly
distributed over the light modules.
To set and adjust the operating lamp to different situations,
different illumination intensities are advantageously stored in the
control. The individual illumination zones may thereby be variably
switched on or off relative to each other. Additionally, different
dimming states can be adjusted. In some examples, the size of the
illumination field remains the same in all switching states. To
obtain a constant illumination strength E.sub.c, the light
intensity of the respectively switched-on illumination zones can be
varied in a range from 100 to 250 percent of the initial
illumination strength (all illumination zones are switched on).
In one aspect, the invention features lighting apparatus that
include a number of light modules oriented to illuminate a work
site, such as a surgical field, an array of individually
controllable lights disposed on each of the light modules, and a
lighting controller configured to individually control the lights
disposed on the light modules to selectively define concentric
illumination zones.
In another aspect, the invention features operating lamps that
include a central light module oriented to illuminate a surgical
site and a number of outer light modules positioned about, e.g.,
circumferentially about, the central light module. The outer light
modules are oriented to illuminate the surgical site. The lamp also
includes an array of individually controllable lights disposed on
each of the light modules, and a lighting controller configured to
individually control the lights disposed on the light modules to
selectively define concentric illumination zones.
In various embodiments, the controller can be configured to change
an overall luminosity of the lighting apparatus, the intensity of
each illumination zone, and/or the activation state of each
illumination zone. In some embodiments, the controller is
configured to store and recall a number of operational modes, each
mode defining an intensity level and activation state of each
controllable light or illumination zone. The work site can be a
surgical field and the operational modes can correspond to
predetermined phases of a surgical procedure. The controller can be
configured to maintain a substantially constant overall
illumination strength to the work or surgical site for all of the
operational modes.
In certain examples, the controller is configured to vary the light
intensity of the illumination zones from between about 100 to about
250 percent of an initial illumination level corresponding to
activation of all of the illumination zones. The controller can
also be configured to maintain a substantially constant
illumination field for each of the operational modes.
Each of the light modules can be sized to illuminate substantially
the entire work or surgical site. The lights can be halogens or gas
discharge lamps or LEDs. The LEDs can be uniformly distributed over
the light modules
In some configurations, the lighting apparatus includes a central
light module defining a first illumination zone and a number of
outer light modules circumferentially arranged about the central
light module. The outer light modules are configured to selectively
define a second illumination zone concentric with the first
illumination zone, and a third illumination zone concentric with
the first and second illumination zones. The light modules can be
substantially hexagonal and in some embodiments, positioned
together to form a nearly borderless light source for a lighting
apparatus. In some embodiments, the light modules are sufficiently
spaced apart to enhance the flow of air from ceiling supply vents,
thereby reducing turbulent air flow underneath the lamp.
In another aspect, the invention features methods of illuminating a
surgical field by positioning a plurality of light modules to
illuminate the surgical field, each light module including an array
of individually controllable lights, and controlling the lights
disposed on the light modules to selectively define concentric
illumination zones.
In various embodiments, the methods can include controlling the
intensity and activation state of each light and/or each
illumination zone. The methods can also include storing a number of
operational modes that each define an intensity level and
activation state of each light. The methods can also include
maintaining a substantially constant overall illumination strength
to the surgical field while controlling the intensity and
activation state of each light and/or illumination zone.
The details of one or more embodiments of the inventions are set
for the in the accompanying drawings and description below. Other
features and advantages will be apparent from the description and
drawings, and from the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C show a plan view of the lower side (luminous
area) of an operating lamp, a lower perspective view of the lamp,
and an upper perspective view of the lamp, respectively;
FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C show a plan view of the lower side (luminous
area) of an another operating lamp, a lower perspective view of the
lamp, and an upper perspective view of the lamp, respectively;
FIG. 3A shows the operating lamp of FIGS. 1A-1C above a tube
indicating a deep wound;
FIG. 3B shows the switched illumination zone(s) of the operating
lamp for the arrangement of FIG. 3A;
FIG. 4A shows the operating lamp of FIGS. 1A-1C above a white disk,
a so-called "shutter," indicating the head of the operating
surgeon;
FIG. 4B shows the switched illumination zone(s) of the operating
lamp for the arrangement of FIG. 4A;
FIG. 5A shows the operating lamp of FIGS. 1A-1C above a tube
indicating a deep wound, and above a shutter indicating the head of
the operating surgeon;
FIG. 5B shows the switched illumination zone(s) of the operating
lamp for the arrangement of FIG. 5A;
FIG. 6A shows the operating lamp of FIGS. 1A-1C above two shutters
indicating two heads of the operating surgeons;
FIG. 6B shows the switched illumination zone(s) of the operating
lamp for the arrangement of FIG. 6A;
FIG. 7A shows the operating lamp of FIGS. 1A-1C above a tube
indicating a wound, and above shutters indicating two heads of
operating surgeons;
FIG. 7B shows the switched illumination zone(s) of the operating
lamp for the arrangement of FIG. 7A; and
FIGS. 8A and 8B show an operating lamp and lamp module,
respectively, including controllable lamps having different
colors.
Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIGS. 1A and 1B show individual light modules 2a through 2e joined
in a nearly borderless configuration to form a light source of an
operating lamp 1. Central light module 2c is surrounded by a number
of outer light module, 2a, 2b, 2e, and 2d circumferentially
arranged about the central light module. FIGS. 2A and 2B show
individually light modules 2a, 2b, and 2c, which form a nearly
borderless light source for an operating lamp 1'.
Borderless in accordance with the invention means that the
transitions between the individual light modules 2a through 2e have
no substantial influence on the optical properties, in particular,
on the emission of light in the direction of the operation site.
The produced light is perceived as being uniform although it is
composed of several light modules 2a through 2e. In some
embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1C and 2C, the modules of the
operating lamp 1, 1', are sufficiently spaced apart to reduce
obstruction to the flow of air from ceiling supply vents, thereby
reducing turbulent air flow underneath the lamp 1, 1'.
Each light module 2a through 2e includes a number, e.g., between 30
and 50, of individual lights, e.g., LEDs, halogen lamps, or gas
discharge lamps. LEDs offer technical advantages analogous to large
reflector lamps, such as mitigation of shadows due to the fact that
the light is emitted on a large surface. In some embodiments, each
light, e.g., LED, includes a convergent lens. Each light module can
illuminate the entire operation site. During illumination of, e.g.,
half a module, the field size remains unchanged. For this reason,
each individual light module 2a through 2e on its own can
illuminate one complete operation site.
Operating lamps having different characteristics can be produced
through switchable light distribution via the luminous area of the
operating lamp with simultaneously constant illumination strength
E.sub.c using only one single lamp.
The operating lamp standard EN 60601-2-41 mentions as an example
six different illumination situations which represent lighting
conditions for various operation scenarios. A defined tube thereby
simulates deep narrow wound tracts, and obstacles such as the heads
of operating surgeons are represented by white disks (so-called
"shutters") in the path of rays. In addition, combinations of
shutters and tubes are depicted.
The different illumination situations can be optimally illuminated
through variable control of the three illumination zones I, II, III
(see FIGS. 3B through 7B). A lamp controller 9 (see FIGS. 1A, 1B,
2A, and 2B) permits direct retrieval of the respective switching
states. The intensity of the respectively retrieved switching
states can be additionally dimmed without changing the light
emitting characteristic. In some embodiments, the controller is
configured to store and recall a number of operational modes that
define an intensity level and activation state of the illumination
zones. The controller can also be configured to store and recall
operational modes which define an intensity level and activation
state of each individual light. In some embodiments, the
operational modes correspond to predetermined phases of surgical
procedure. The controller can also be configured to maintain a
substantially constant overall illumination strength E.sub.c to the
work site for all of the stored operational modes.
For deep and narrow wounds (indicated by the tube 3 in FIG. 3A),
the entire light is emitted mainly from the center of the lamp and
therefore the entire light reaches the wound tract. The
illumination zone III is almost completely deactivated in contrast
to I, II, which is shown in the view of the luminous area of FIG.
3B. The lights marked in black are not activated.
When an operating surgeon positioned in the center below the
operating lamp 1 as indicated by the shutter 4 of FIG. 4A, the
entire light mainly from the center of the lamp (illumination zone
I) is deactivated. The entire light is generated by the
illumination zones II, III. In contrast to II, III, the
illumination zone I is almost completely deactivated, which is
shown in the view of the luminous area of FIG. 4B. The lights
marked with black are not activated.
When an operating surgeon works on a deep wound directly below the
operating lamp 1, as indicated by the tube 3 and the shutter 4 of
FIG. 5A, nearly all the light mainly from the center of the lamp
(illumination zone I) and from the illumination zone III is
deactivated. The entire light is generated by the illumination zone
II. The illumination zones I and III are almost completely
deactivated in contrast to zone II, which is shown in the luminous
area of FIG. 5B. The lights marked with black are not
activated.
For wounds with a large surface area, the entire luminous area of
FIG. 6B is illuminated when two operating surgeons (see shutters 4
of FIG. 6A) are positioned under the lamp as shown.
When two operating surgeons (shutters 4 of FIG. 7A), being
positioned on the side of a deep wound as indicated by the tube 3,
are working under the operating lamp 1, nearly all the light from
the illumination zone III is deactivated. The entire light is
mainly generated by the illumination zones I and II. The
illumination zones I and II are substantially activated and zone
III is substantially deactivated as shown in FIG. 7B. The lights
marked with black are again not activated.
FIGS. 8A and 8B show a lamp 1'' having light modules including LEDs
with different color temperatures, e.g., 3500K and 5000K, arranged
in a predetermined configuration. By individually controlling the
intensity and activation state of the differently colored LEDs
using the techniques described above, the color temperature of the
light can be adjusted for optimal contrast and differentiation of
the surgical area during different types of surgical procedures or
various phases of a single operation, e.g., when a surgeon is
operating in tissue areas having a weak or heavy supply of
blood.
Further illumination situations with different obstacles in the
path of rays can be optimized through adjusted light distribution.
The lamp has the same illumination strength E.sub.c in any defined
switching state.
* * * * *